There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of slow cooker goulash to bring comfort to your table. This easy goulash recipe combines tender ground beef, rich tomatoes, flavorful spices, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni for a one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, this family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a delicious, stress-free dinner that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup makes this slow cooker goulash a dream for busy home cooks. Everything comes together in a single pot for ultimate ease.
- Ready in Just a Few Hours: Unlike recipes that take all day, this hearty dish is ready in as little as 2–3 hours on high heat, perfect for when you’re short on time.
- Made with Pantry Staples: You likely already have most of the ingredients on hand, like canned tomatoes, beef broth, and spices, making it an effortless option.
- A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages: With its rich flavors and comforting pasta base, this dish is sure to win over everyone at the table—from kids to adults.

Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful slow cooker goulash:
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Provides a hearty, savory base for the dish. You can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- White Onion (½ large, chopped): Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor. Yellow onion works well, too, if that’s what you have on hand.
- Minced Garlic (1 tablespoon): Infuses the goulash with aromatic richness. Fresh garlic is ideal, but pre-minced garlic saves time.
- Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz can): Creates a thick, rich tomato base that binds all the flavors together.
- Italian-Style Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Adds a touch of texture and Italian seasoning to enhance the dish.
- Tomato Sauce (8 oz can): Smooth and tangy, it rounds out the tomato trio for a balanced flavor.
- Beef Broth (2 cups): Helps cook the pasta and deepen the savory notes. Vegetable broth can work as a substitute.
- Bay Leaf (1): Imparts a subtle, herbaceous aroma. Don’t forget to remove it before serving!
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A classic blend of herbs that brings an earthy, Mediterranean flair.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors of the dish. Adjust to taste.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder (1 teaspoon each): Add an extra layer of savory goodness to complement the fresh ingredients.
- Granulated Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes without making the dish sweet.
- Ground Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick to round out the flavors.
- Elbow Macaroni (8 oz, uncooked): The tender pasta absorbs the rich tomato sauce as it cooks. Substitute with any short pasta, like penne or shells, if preferred.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese (⅓ cup, plus more for serving): Melts into the goulash for a creamy, cheesy finish. You can swap it for grated Romano or Pecorino cheese.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.

Directions:
In a large skillet, combine ground beef, onion, and garlic and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until beef is browned. Drain grease.
Place into 6 quart slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes tomato sauce, broth and spices. Mix well. Cover and heat on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. 30 minutes before serving, add macaroni and mix well.
Cover and heat on high until pasta is al dente, or cooked to your liking. Stir in cheese and remove bay leaf and discard.
Serve immediately, topped with additional cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Expert Tips for Perfect Goulash
Here are some pro tips to ensure your slow cooker goulash turns out perfectly every time:
- Adjusting Cooking Times: Slow cookers can vary in heat settings. If your model runs hotter, keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent overcooking the pasta. Cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 5–6 hours, but always check for doneness a little earlier if you’re unsure.
- Perfect Pasta Every Time: Add the elbow macaroni during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid mushy pasta. Stir well to ensure it absorbs the rich tomato sauce evenly.
- Reheating Leftovers: To keep the pasta from becoming too soft, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth or water to restore the creamy texture.
- Boost Nutrition with Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to your goulash for extra color, flavor, and nutrients. Toss them into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking to retain some texture.
- Customizing the Flavor: For a spicier kick, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
By following these tips, you’ll elevate this family-friendly slow cooker goulash into a dish that’s not only delicious but also perfectly tailored to your taste!
Serving Suggestions
Take your slow cooker goulash to the next level with these simple and delicious serving ideas:
- Classic Toppings: Sprinkle each bowl with extra shredded Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory finish. Add a touch of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness.
- Pair with Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread, garlic bread, or warm dinner rolls to soak up the rich tomato sauce.
- Add a Fresh Side: Balance the hearty flavors with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers also complements the dish beautifully.
- Make It a Feast: For a more indulgent meal, pair your goulash with a creamy side dish like mashed potatoes or buttery polenta.
- Kid-Friendly Option: Top individual servings with shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesier twist that kids will love.
- Leftover Magic: Turn leftovers into a baked pasta dish by transferring the goulash to a casserole dish, sprinkling it with extra cheese, and baking at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
These serving ideas enhance the comforting, hearty qualities of this easy goulash recipe and make it versatile for any occasion.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your slow cooker goulash fresh and flavorful, follow these simple storage and reheating guidelines:
- Storing Leftovers in the Fridge: After the goulash has cooled to room temperature, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. This will help preserve the rich tomato sauce and tender pasta.
- Freezing Leftovers: For longer storage, freeze your goulash in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months. To prevent the pasta from becoming too mushy, you can freeze the goulash without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture. You can use the microwave, reheating in 30-second intervals, or heat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to ensure the pasta doesn’t become overcooked.

FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about making and storing this slow cooker goulash:
- Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check the pasta’s cooking time, as it may differ from regular macaroni. - What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this goulash on the stovetop. Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic, then add the rest of the ingredients to a large pot. Simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add the pasta during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased ingredients. If needed, you can adjust the cooking time by checking the goulash after 30 minutes, as doubling the recipe may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Slow Cooker Goulash
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of slow cooker goulash to bring comfort to your table. This easy goulash recipe combines tender ground beef, rich tomatoes, flavorful spices, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni for a one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, this family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a delicious, stress-free dinner that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1lb ground beef
- 1/2 large white onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 large can, 28 oz, crushed tomatoes
- 1 can, 14.5 oz, Italian style diced tomatoes
- 1 small can, 8 oz, tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- chopped fresh parsley, optional for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, combine ground beef, onion and garlic and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until beef is browned. Drain grease.
- Place into 6 quart slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes tomato sauce, broth and spices. Mix well. Cover and heat on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, add macaroni and mix well. Cover and heat on high until pasta is al dente, or cooked to your liking. Stir in cheese and remove bay leaf and discard.
Serve immediately topped with additional cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 366Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 1314mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 6gSugar: 11gProtein: 29g